If you’ve ever experienced an immobilizing sense of panic when faced with a difficult or threatening situation, you’re not alone. It turns out that the well-documented fight-or-flight instinct for self-preservation isn’t a guaranteed reaction. Research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has found that stress can actually lower your ability to… read on >
Only about half of all American adults meet the national guidelines for aerobic activity and only about one-fifth meet the combined aerobic and strength-training goals. One reason is that some people just don’t find it enjoyable, so they don’t stick with it. Changing your mindset can lead not only to increases in exercise time, but… read on >
There’s early promise in the quest for a blood test that might spot breast cancer up to five years before clinical signs of the disease appear, researchers say. The test identifies specific immune system “autoantibodies,” British researchers explained. The immune system produces the antibodies when it comes into contact with tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), which are… read on >
When parents can no longer get “personal-belief” exemptions from childhood vaccinations, they may get around it by asking for religious exemptions for their kids, a new study finds. Researchers found that after Vermont banned personal-belief exemptions, the number of kindergartners with religious exemptions from vaccination suddenly shot up — from 0.5% to nearly 4%. That… read on >
Bloating occurs when the gastrointestinal tract fills with air or gas. This uncomfortable feeling can be caused by eating certain foods and constipation, among other reasons. To prevent bloating, the American Academy of Family Physicians says you should avoid: Foods known to cause gas, such as beans and lentils. Chewing gum. Straws for drinking. Carbonated… read on >
If you find yourself slouching or unable to stand straight, you may have poor posture, says Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. For many, poor posture can lead to back and neck pain. The school suggests these six exercises for poor posture: Head press. Elbow press. Chest lift. Bridge. Press up. Superman. If poor posture… read on >
It happens to everyone: A familiar song comes on the radio, and suddenly you recall every note and every word. Now, new research has pinpointed exactly how long it takes people to recognize that favorite tune — just 0.1 to 0.3 seconds. The study included five men and five women who each provided a list… read on >
Teen girls who play several sports have a lower injury risk than those who focus on just one, a new study finds. It included more than 1,100 girls who play basketball, soccer and volleyball. Most were middle and high school students; some were in college. Girls who specialize too early in sports such as basketball,… read on >
Ground beef tainted with salmonella has led to 10 known infections across six states, including eight people so ill they had to be hospitalized, and one death. “Illnesses in this outbreak are more severe than expected for salmonella,” the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a statement issued Friday. So far, infections… read on >
More than 30 million Americans need help dealing with their feelings and problems, says the American Psychological Association. From the loss of a job to the death of a loved one, these stressful events can be debilitating and require outside help. The APA mentions important questions to ask when choosing a psychologist: Are you a… read on >
